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Skrtel snubs Rangers for Fenerbahce stay – report

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Fenerbahce centre-back Martin Skrtel has turned down a move to Rangers and is expected to agree a one-year extension to his deal with the Turkish side, according to Turkish Football.

Milliyet had suggested that the Ibrox club had been “closely watching” the 34-year-old, who was expected to leave this summer upon the expiration of the three-year deal he agreed after leaving Liverpool.

However, Turkish Football claim that Skrtel has completed a u-turn in his plans, and now thought to be set to agreeĀ  to a one-year extension to his contract and stay in Istanbul for another season after rejecting an offer from the Gers.

Skrtel has become a fan-favourite in Istanbul following an impressive debut season with Fenerbahce, in which the enforcer – who has appeared 40 times in all competitions – has also averaged 6.3 blocks and 1.2 clearances per game in the Turkish Super Lig.

OPINION

If this report is true, it comes as a blow to Rangers. The club need defensive additions this summer, with loanee Joe Worrall – who impressed in his time north of the border – returning to Nottingham Forest. That leaves Steven Gerrard with just two recognised centre-backs in Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson, meaning a reunion between the former Liverpool duo would have been an excellent move. After a disappointing end to his Liverpool career, Skrtel has proved in his time with Fenerbahce that he can still be a real asset to any defence, and it is clear that Gerrard rated him, having followed not only his performances in Turkey but also been around the Slovakian for so long at Anfield. Overall, Rangers are still in need of a centre-back before the new season and they better get their skates on if they are set to miss out on Skrtel, as this report claims they will.

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